Garments for people with all abilities

ABSTRACT

Garments that can be readily put on and are of use by the physically disabled utilize, among other things, pulley systems, magnetic snaps, and magnetic straps. Such elements may be used separately or in combination of two more thereof. The pule systems can be used to readily adjust a length or a circumference of a portion of the garments. The magnetic snaps disclosed herein allow a wearer to easily open and close garments by interlocking two magnetic snaps that neatly fit into each other without having to worry about the snaps attached to an unwanted object. The magnetic straps can be used to secure a disposition of a strap that adjusts a position of a portion of garments. The pulley system comprises at least one strap and a channel that surrounds the at least one strap. The strap slides within the channel to push or pull a target portion that is attached to the strap.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from provisional application 62/888,017filed on Aug. 16, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to garments, and moreparticularly to apparel that can be worn by people with mental orphysical disabilities.

One billion people, or fifteen percent of the world's population, havesome form of disability. In the past, persons with disability were oftenrestricted to a hospital or other facility, or to their home, wheretheir disability precluded outside activities to any appreciable degree.Accordingly, there had been no great demand for clothing for them, whichhad the appearance of standard clothing and yet could be easily donnedand removed by such physically challenged persons or their caretakers.

Recently, however, people with a disability participate more actively incommunity life. Accordingly, they need to be dressed and clothedappropriately or “fashionably.” While many are capable of donningstandard clothing, at least given sufficient time, the effort requiredis generally far above that required for physically able persons, whoaccomplish such actions daily as a matter of course with no particularthought or effort. If the disabled person is incapable of such for himor herself, then a caretaker must dress the person, which also requiresa great deal of effort for all parties concerned.

There have been attempts to provide garments for children or people withdisability, which however do not provide enough functionality andaesthetics. Thus, there is a need for improved garments for people withchallenges including children or people with disability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference tothe following Figures.

FIGS. 1A-1D shows an exemplary one-handed wrap dress according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 2A-2D shows an exemplary seated wrap dress with a pulley strapsystem according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3K show an exemplary jacket with pulley straps forself-dressing according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3L-3N show an exemplary magnet snap that is used with the jacketshown in FIGS. 3A-3K according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 4-5 show an exemplary collapsible pants with pleats according toone embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows an exemplary transformative skirt according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 6B shows an inside-out view of an exemplary transformative skirtaccording to one embodiment.

FIGS. 6C-6D show an exemplary transformative skirt according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary seated jacket with instructional inside seamsaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary wrap-skirt-pant ensemble according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9D show an exemplary housing for magnets that can be used withgarments according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary wrap shirt according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown byway of illustrations specific embodiments or examples. These aspects maybe combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes maybe made without departing from the present disclosure. The followingdetailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The present disclosure provides garments that can be readily put on. Insome embodiments, the garments utilize, among other things, pulleysystems, magnetic snaps, and magnetic straps. Such elements may be usedseparately or in combination of two more thereof. The pulley systems canbe used to readily adjust a length or a circumference of a portion ofthe garments. The magnetic snaps disclosed herein allow a wearer toeasily open and close garments by interlocking two magnetic snaps thatneatly fit into each other without having to worry about the snapsattached to an unwanted object. The magnetic straps can be used tosecure a disposition of a strap that adjusts a position of a portion ofgarments. With these mechanisms used in various embodiments, the presentdisclosure provides garments that can be readily worn by people,especially those with disabilities including arthritis, dementia, andParkinson's disease.

The pulley system comprises at least one strap and a channel thatsurrounds the at least one strap. The strap slides within the channel topush or pull a target portion that is attached to the strap. In apreferred embodiment, the channel is made of material that does not havea high friction. One particular use of this system is disclosedhereinafter with reference to FIG. 3B. The mechanism described hereincan, however, be used in other ways in clothes in which the dimensionsof an opening or the length of a pants may be changed while the garmentis in use.

The magnetic snaps particularly useful in the present invention comprisea first body and a second body that interlock with each other. Suchsnaps are described in more detail with respect to FIG. 9. Typically,such snaps include one or more magnet encased in a plastic matrix, theopposing surfaces of each component of a pair of snaps being configuredto “fit” with each other. In one embodiment, the first body comprises aplurality of holes in an inner wall of a cylindrical portion of thefirst body for housing a plurality of magnets. The second body comprisesa plurality of holes in an outer wall of a cylindrical portion of thesecond body for housing a plurality of magnets. The cylindrical portionof the second body fits into a hollow portion in the cylindrical portionof the first body such that the first body and the second body interlockwith each other.

A magnetic strap comprises a strap and one or more magnets attached to,mounted on, or incorporated into the strap. For example, a magneticstrap can have a magnet in a housing attached to a tip of a strap thatslides from a first position to a second position. The housing can be a3D printed plastic housing in a cuboid shape. The magnet on the strapcan be attached to a second magnet attached to a jacket to secure theposition of the magnetic strap, e.g., the second position of themagnetic strap. A wearer can detach the magnetic strap from the secondmagnet, move the strap to the first position, and then attach themagnetic strap to a third magnet to secure the first position of thestrap.

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a garment such asa coat or dress which can be put on easily and as a result of theabsence of side seams is more comfortable when the wearer adopts variouspostures. In this embodiment, the garment is designed to wrap around thebody so that there is considerable overlap between the left frontportion and right side front portion of the garment. These frontportions are secured to each other by magnetic fasteners. The garmentmay be sleeveless, but if one or more sleeves are present, such sleeveshave wide sleeve openings and dropped armholes as hereinafter describedto facilitate putting the garment on or taking it off. If desired, thegarments can be provided with one or more slits in the rear to make iteasier for the user to get into or out of or sit in a wheel chair.Garments of this type are typically made of cotton, jersey, a lightweight breathable fabric such as the Polartec® grid, which functions asa ploy stretch or cotton fabric and has good breathability.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, there is seen an exemplary one-handed wrapdress or coat 100 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 1A-1B show aclosed configuration of this embodiment, while FIGS. 1C-1D show an openconfiguration of this embodiment. This embodiment allows independentone-handed dressing. The dress 100 can be a one-piece. In oneembodiment, the dress 100 can comprise a wide sleeve opening, forexample the arm hole width of which ranges from 9 inches to 12 inches,preferably from 10 inches to 11 inches, and dropped armhole 101 to allowindependent dressing. The dropped armhole 101 can have a bottom end ofthe armhole that is lower than a general armhole. The length from a topend to a bottom end of the dropped armhole ranges from 18 inches to 23inches. The dress 100 can comprise a center back vent 103 that willalign to the center of a chair or a wheelchair, which allows a user tocomfortably sit thereon. The dress 100 in the open configuration asshown in FIG. 1C can be divided into two sections 151, 152. The firstsection 151 comprises a front section 131 a, a back section 133 a, ahead hole 121 a, a left arm portion 141 a, a light arm portion 143 a.The second section 152 comprises a front section 131 b, a back section133 b, a head hole 121 b, a right arm portion 141 b, a left arm portion143 b. As shown in FIG. 1D, a left sleeve 161 a and a right sleeve 161 bcan be attached to the left arm portion 141 a of the first section 151and the right arm portion 141 b of the second section 152, respectively.The front section 131 a of the first section 151 comprises a pluralityof magnet snaps 105 a, 107 a, 109 a. The front section 131 b of thesecond section 152 comprises a plurality of magnet snaps 105 b, 107 b,109 b in respective positions wherein the plurality of magnets snaps 105a, 107 a, 109 a of the first section 151 would attach to the pluralityof magnet snaps 105 b, 107 b, 109 b of the second section 152,respectively, in the closed configuration. The dress 100 permits amobility-impaired individual to self-dress with use of only one hand orextremity. The design 100 maximizes comfort for individuals who sit forextended periods of time.

A second embodiment of the present invention, features of which such asthe sleeve closing mechanism may be applied to garments of the firstembodiment, provides a mechanism whereby the sleeve opening may beadjusted after the garment has been put on. In this embodiment, the amhole may be closed by pulling on a ribbon attached to a pulley mechanismwithin the sleeve. Referring to FIG. 2, there is seen an exemplaryseated wrap dress 200 with a pulley strap system. This embodimentprovides an improved mobility and range of motion, and increasesdressing independence donning through the use of a pulley system thatwidens and tightens the arm hole. The dress 200 comprises a pulleymechanism 203 that allows for self-closure by a user who may havedisabilities. The pulley mechanism comprises ribbon(s) 211, 213 that canbe pulled to close the arm hole by pulling on the ribbon 211, 213. Thedress 200 comprises magnetic snaps 201 on the chest area that close thefront. The dress 200 can further comprise pleated sleeves 205 on theshoulder areas that create aesthetic shapes around the shoulder. Whenthe shoulder strap is flipped to the back, the arm hole opens on theside. The dress 200 can comprise magnetic snaps 209 a, 209 b on a sideof the waist area of dress 200. The pulley mechanism 203 widens andtightens the arm hole. The dress 200 enables mobility-impairedindividuals, for example, who need to be on a wheelchair, to self-chess.

The armhole design of the dress 200 can be created in two ways: (1) apleating design and (2) a pulley system. The dress 200 supports thewearer to maintain body temperature (common problem as we age) and toadjust it according to one's environment (e.g., a rehabilitation centervs. a church). The dress 200 also allows a broad range of motion inarms. For example, if a wearer has difficulty putting sleeves on becauseof the spasticity in his or her left arm, to maximize his or herindependence, a pulley, allowing her to independently close the dresswith one arm, controls the wrap sleeves. The ribbon 211, 213 can then betied in a bow, adding another touch of elegance. Finally, the entiredress 200 itself can wrap around and is secured in a position withmagnets 201 on the front shoulders. The dress 200 accommodates right- orleft-handed access and use. The dress 200 has low tolerance for errorand requires low physical effort. The dress 200 can be worn by a seatedor standing user. There can be less fabric in the back of the dress tobenefit any wearer for fit and ease at seated position.

Referring to FIGS. 2B, there is seen the dress 200 with the chestsections 221, 223 opened according to one embodiment. The dress 200 hasa first chest section 221 and a second chest section 223 that areconfigured to overlap on the chest of a wearer. The first chest section221 can comprise a plurality of magnets 231 a, 233 a around the neckportion. The second chest section 223 can comprise a plurality ofmagnets 231 b, 233 b around the neck portion that would attached to thecorresponding magnets 231 a, 233 a of the first chest section 231,respectively.

Referring to FIG. 2C, there is seen the dress 200 with the chestsections 221, 223 and the skirt sections 231, 233 opened according toone embodiment. The first skirt section 231 can comprise a first magnetsnap 241 a and a second magnet snap 243 a at around the waist area. Thesecond skirt portion 233 can comprise a first magnet snap 241 b and asecond magnet snap 243 b that would attach to the first magnet snap 241a and the second magnet snap 243 b of the first skirt section 231,respectively, in a closed configuration. The dress 200 further comprisesa first closing section 261 a that is attached to a first ribbon 251 a.The first ribbon 251 a continues to run past a position where the firstchest section 221 meet the first skirt section 231 through a firstchannel 253 a disposed vertically in the first chest portion 221. Thedress 200 comprises a second closing section (not shown) and a secondstrap 251 b that are structured and function the same as the firstclosing section 261 a and the first strap 251 a. When lower portions ofthe straps 251 a, 251 b that are disposed lower than the chest portions221, 223 are pulled away from the wearer, the closing sections 261 a arepulled upward such that lower part of the opening of the respectivesleeves is closed. FIG. 2D is a close up view of the pulley system.

In a third embodiment, an alternative form of pulley arrangement is usedfor keeping the wearer “snug” in a jacket by using separate pullingmeans, such as color-coded ribbons, to operate on the pulley mechanismso as to tighten or loosen the fit of the garment to the torso or thearms. Referring to FIG. 3A, there is seen an exemplary jacket 300 withpulley straps for self-dressing according to the third embodiment.Preferably, the jacket 300 comprises color-coded straps 301. In someembodiments, the straps 301 comprise a strap with blue tips for openingand a strap with red tips for closing. The straps 301 can comprise amagnet in a housing 303, which may be flat and inflexible. The jacket300 may not have a front closure on point 305. The collar 307 and thecuffs 309 can be ribbed. The back side of the jacket 300 has a centerback opening 311 that can be closed with the straps 301. The jacket 300may be worn through the center back opening 311. The left layer 321 canbe disposed on the right layer 323 in a closed configuration. The topportions of the two layers 321, 323 are connected with the collar 307.The lower portions of the two layers 321, 323 are separated, forming acenter back opening 311. The straps 301 continues from a left side of awearer to a right side of the wearer, passing through the longitudinalplane of the two layers 321, 323 and cross the back portion of thejacket 300. When the wearer pulls the strap 301 with blue tips away fromthe jacket 300, the back portion of the jacket 300 closes, and when theuser pulls the strap 301 with the red tips away from the jacket 300, theback portion of the jacket 300 opens. The jacket 300 enables independentdonning by people with generalized weakness and/or cognitive impairment.In a preferred embodiment, the jacket 300 is an insulated jacket. Thejacket 300 can also be donned or doffed in a seated position. Thesleeves are donned from the front with an opening in the back that isclosed by pulling straps 301 in the front of the jacket. This embodimentcan be used for individuals suffering from limited shoulder range ofmotion or limited dexterity, or for those who dress in a seatedposition.

In a preferred embodiment, the jacket can be donned with the followingsteps:

1. From a seated position, place the jacket on laps (the front facingdown and the waist line closer to the body);

2. Loosen the straps as much as possible without pulling the straps(preferably color-coded straps) all the way out of the jacket;

3. Place the strap and collar over the head and allow the straps to fallto the middle of the back;

4. Reach aims forward to place arms in the sleeves;

5. Hold the same side straps in each hand and pull both straps(preferably color-coded straps) simultaneously forward and outward toclose the back of the garment;

6. Place magnets in place above the pocket on each side of the jacket.Place remainder of strap in the pocket.

The jacket can be doffed with the following steps:

1. Remove the straps from the pocket and pull the magnet closure apart;

2. Grab sides of jacket with the same side hand and pull outward toloosen the strap in the back;

3. Pull the collar and back strap over the head to remove the garment.

Referring to FIG. 3B, there is seen an exemplary pulley system 350 usedwith the jacket 300. The pulley system 350 comprises a first belt 351, asecond belt 361, a first channel 371, and a second channel 373. Thefirst channel 371 can be located on a left back side of the jacket 300.The second channel 373 can be located on a right back side of the jacket300. The first belt 351 and the second belt 361 run through the firstchannel 371 and the second channel 373, respectively. The first belt 351can be secured to a first joint 367 on the left back side of the jacketnear the first channel 371. The second belt 361 can be secured to asecond joint 377 on the right back side of the jacket 300 near thesecond channel 373. Various techniques such as topstitching may be usedto secure the belts 351, 361 to the respective joints 367, 377. Thefirst belt 351 can be divided into a first portion 353 and a secondportion 355 by the first joint 367. The second belt 361 can be dividedinto a first portion 363 and a second portion 365 by the second joint377. When a wearer grabs the first portion 353 of the first belt 351with his or her hand and pulls the first portion 353 forward andoutward, the first joint 357 on the left back side of the jacket 300 ispulled away from the center back opening 311, opening the center backopening 311. When the wearer grabs the second portion 355 of the firstbelt 351 with his or her hand and pulls the second portion 355 forwardand outward, the first joint 357 on the left back side of the jacket 300is pulled toward the center back portion 311, closing the center backopening 311. The second belt 361 operates in the same way as the firstbelt 351 except for the second joint 377 secured on the light back sideof the jacket 300 near the second channel 373. In one embodiment, eachof the belts 351, 361 may range between thirty (30) to fifty (50) incheslong with the first portions 353, 363 being fifteen (15) to twenty-five(25) inches long and the second portions 355, 365 being fifteen (15) totwenty-five (25) inches long. The two belts 351, 361 are disposed on theback side of the jacket 300 through the two channels 371, 373, with thetwo belts 351, 361 overlapping each other.

Referring to FIG. 3E, the sleeves of the jacket 300 are designed for aseated position using pintucking technique. Pintucks can be used toshape the sleeve creating ribbed effect.

Referring to FIGS. 3F and 3D-printed magnetic snaps can be used with thejacket 300. A pair of snaps is used to hold the red belt-straps inplace. One snap is stitched onto the belt-strap, the other stitched ontothe jacket 300. Preferably, a total of two pairs are used in the jacket300. The magnetic snaps may be flat and rectangular to accommodaterectangular magnets that can easily slide in between the pulley system.In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic snap have a housing in a cuboidshape with a height of 20-30 mm, a width of 25-40 mm, a depth of 2-10mm, and a recess with a depth of 1-2 mm. See FIGS. 3L-3N. It can beplaced onto a garment using hand-sewing techniques as the jacket canhave little slit holes on each side. In one embodiment, one magneticsnap can be placed on a blue pulley and the other can be placed on a redpulley. When tugging the magnetic snaps in place to keep the waistcinched and the jacket closed for warmth, the magnetic snaps will align.

The magnetic snap placement on the pulley can be designed inconsideration of a wearer's waist. If the magnetic snaps were placed toofar into the jacket, it may not easily come out. On the other hand, ifthey were placed too close to the ends of the jacket hole, this reducesthe amount of fabric that can be captured, therefore the jacket wouldnot cinch well around the waist. The magnetic snap can be placed in apredetermined location on the waist to prevent ripping and providingbest length for both snaps to snap together.

In a fourth embodiment, a pulley mechanism is used in conjunction withpleats in a garment for the lower body such as trousers or a skirtwhereby the length of the garment made be adjusted in a way similar tothat in which Venetian blinds may be raised or lowered in a window.Referring to FIG. 4, there is seen an exemplary collapsible pants 400with pleats 403 a, 403 b according to this embodiment. This embodimentrelates to collapsible pants with pleats that assist in toiletingmanagement by reducing fatigue with exertion for people with limiteddexterity. The pants 400 comprise a waistband 401 with exposed elasticfor independent donning by a user who may have disabilities. The pants400 have front pockets 405, each of which houses a handle 402. The pants400 can comprise lighting elements 404 a, 404 b, 406 a, 406 b.Preferably, each of the lighting elements 404 a, 404 b, 406 a, 406 bcomprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 407, module switches 423, an LEDcoupling 409, a Velcro® loop 411, a Velcro® hook 413, a POF (PlasticOptical Fiber) textile (or any LED fabric) 415, a POF bundle 417, and awool and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) fabric 419. The lightingelements 404 a, 404 b, 406 a, 406 b may be configured to light up whenthe user's legs are angled at 90 or 180 degrees. This configurationmotivates and encourages physical activities, including leg exercise.Preferably, the lighting elements can be snapped on to the pants 400.The snap connects the strap to the portion of the knee where it candetect a bending motion because of a PCB that has a gyroscope. The 90degree angle in which the wearer bends the need will send signals to thePCB and microcontroller that will then light up the LED fabric, i.e.,the POE

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary pull-up operation of the collapsible pants 400with pleats 403 a, 403 b. The handle 402 can be disposed at around thethigh area of the pants 400 according to this embodiment. Drawstrings501 a, 501 b can be attached to or pass through the handle 402 andcontinue to the lower sideseams of the distal end of the pants 400. Whenthe user pulls up the handle 402, drawstrings 501 a, 501 b apply forceto a lower end of the pleats to move up and to collapse. The drawstrings501 a, 501 b can be connected to the handle 402 and to the cylindricalelement 505 located near the lower end of the pleats 403 a, 403 bthrough circle rings 503 a, 503 b. Preferably, the circle rings 503 a,503 b are disposed along the sideseams and inseams of the pants 400. Thecylindrical elements 505 and the circle rings 503 a, 503 b hold thedrawstring 501 in place. The pants 400 permit easy donning and doffingfor mobility-impaired individuals and others.

In a fifth embodiment, a pulley mechanism is used in conjunction withpleats in a garment for a skirt whereby the length of the garment can beadjusted. In this embodiment, the skirt can be transformed to have anopening or vent in the back, to which a strap in the front side isconnected so a user can hold the strap to maintain the position of theopening of the skirt. In a preferred embodiment, the skirt lifts from anelastic band that travels from the front around the waist connected tothe back to make the backside of the human body exposed for easiertoileting. In this embodiment, there are no closures on the skirt. Theelastic “Z” band in the back allows for extra give around the waist,making it easier to put on and take off. The two pulleys, which areattached at the back seam and run to the front of the skirt, can bepulled using the tabs in the front, making the back panels cinchupwards. Clothing management during toileting poses potential challengeswith hygiene. Specifically with skirts, an individual is required tohold the skirt in one hand out of the way, tuck it up in some capacity,or bring it to the floor. The skirt according to the fifth embodimentwill secure the skirt hem up, out of the way, allowing the wearer twohands free to complete all toileting tasks (e.g. transferring onto andoff of the toilet, perineal hygiene, etc.) without the worry of dirtyingthe wearer's clothing.

Referring to FIG. 6A, there is seen an exemplary transformative skirt600 according to the fifth embodiment. This embodiment assists in theease with clothing management during toileting using a pulley systemthat makes the fabric in the back of the skirt rise up like a curtain.In some embodiments, the skirt 600 has a substantial sewn-in weight tohelp skirt hem 601 fall smoothly. The skirt 600 comprises a pulleymechanism 603, whereby a user can transform the skirt 600 by opening thevent on the back side of the skirt 600. Preferably, the straps arehidden inside the skirt except for the portion to be grabbed by theuser. The back side of the skirt 600 can comprise magnetic snaps 605.The user can pull a strap 607 in front of the user that is connected tothe lower end part of the back side of the skirt 600 to maintain theopen configuration of the skirt 600, while the user is using the toilet.The skirt 600 enables easy donning and doffing while providing modestyin closure, and allows easy access particularly by mobility-impairedindividuals.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is seen an inside-out view of theskirt 600 according to one embodiment. The vent on the back of the skirt600 allows for the back panels of the skirt to be pulled to waist level,exposing the wearer's backside. In one embodiment, there can be twopulleys 621, 623, which are attached to the back seam and run to thefront of the skirt 600. By pulling the tabs in the front, the backpanels cinch upwards. The tabs are connected to the bottom hem on theback of the skirt 600 through a channels formed through the waist linesand vertical back lines as shown in FIG. 6B.

In one embodiment, the pulley mechanism 603 operates as follows:

1. Make sure to put on the skirt in a safe position (either seated orstanding). Simply place both legs through the top of garment and pull upto your waist level.

2. Prior to sitting on the toilet, pull the straps up until the magnetsengage on the both the right and the left. The wearer's backside is nowexposed.

3. Complete toileting without worrying about holding the skirt out ofthe way.

4. Once the wearer has finished on the toilet, the wearer can releasethe skirt by simply pulling the bottom hem away from the wearer's body.This can be done in a seated position or while standing. The skirt willreturn to its original position.

FIGS. 6C and 6D show the inner layer of the skirt according to anotherembodiment. In FIG. 6C, the wearer is grabbing a strap 631 that isconnected to the bottom hem 633 of the skirt through a channel 635formed diagonally from the bottom hem on the back of the skirt to anabdomen portion of the skirt. In FIG. 6D, the wearer's pulling on thestrap transforms the skirt such that the vent on the back side of theskirt is open.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is seen a jacket designed for dressinginstructional colored seams in the inside of the garment forself-dressing, especially for those who face difficulty distinguishingbetween left and right and with sequencing tasks. The garment has acurved open back designed to prevent pressure sores and easy access forpeople who have difficulty raising their arms above their heads.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is seen a wrap-skirt-pant ensemble thatallows easy donning process (wearing on) when laying down in a supineposition in the context of personal caregiving relationships.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, there is seen a housing 900 for magnetsaccording to one embodiment. Magnets are useful in opening and closing agarment. Traditionally, magnet snaps for garments are manufactured usinginjection molding. However, previous magnet snaps in a garment could beattached to an undesired object (for example, a walker or a wheelchair)forcing a wearer to have to detach the magnet snaps to place them in theright place. The present disclosure provides a novel magnet housing 900that prevents or minimizes unwanted attachment by the magnets. In oneembodiment, the housing 900 can comprise a first body 901 and a secondbody 921. The bodies 901, 921 resemble the shape of a pork pie hat. Thefirst body 901 comprises a rim portion 903 protruding in X-direction anda cylindrical portion 905 protruding in Y-direction. Preferably, the rimportion 903 and the cylindrical portion 905 are connected at a rightangle. The rim portion 903 comprises a plurality of holes 911 in Ydirection for sewing the first body 901 onto a garment. The cylindricalportion 905 can have a hollow portion 915 in the center and comprises aplurality of holes 913 in an inner wall of the cylindrical portion 905toward the center of the cylindrical portion in X-direction, for housinga plurality of magnets. The second body 921 can comprise a rim portion923 protruding in X-direction and a cylindrical portion 925 protrudingin Y-direction. Preferably, the rim portion 923 and the cylindricalportion 925 are connected at a right angle. The rim portion 923 cancomprise a plurality of holes 927 in Y-direction for sewing the secondbody onto a garment. The cylindrical portion 925 can comprise aplurality of holes 930 in X-direction toward the outer direction fromthe cylindrical portion 925, for housing a plurality of magnets. Thesize of the cylindrical portion 905 of the first body 901 and the sizeof the cylindrical portion 925 of the second body 921 are configuredsuch that the cylindrical portion 925 of the second body 921 is disposedin the hollow portion 915 and that magnets disposed in the plurality ofholes 930 of cylindrical portion 925 of the second body are attached tomagnets disposed in the plurality of holes 913 of the cylindricalportion 905 of the first body 901. In other words, the first body 901and the second body 921 interlocks with each other to form a firm link.The housing 300 can be manufactured with standard PLA (Polyactic Acid)material using 3D printing technology.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is seen a wrap shirt having the housing 900with magnets shown in FIGS. 9A-9D according to one embodiment. In oneembodiment, the wrap shirt can be put on as follows:

1. The shirt is put on the same way as a wearer would put on a jacket,placing one arm through each sleeve then bringing it around to thefront.

2. There are two interlocking magnet closures in the housing 900 to makesure the shirt stays closed. The inner one is located on the left side,simply place the two halves together and the wearer should feel themengage. The other is located in the front, toward the wearer's lightside.

3. To remove the shirt, the wearer simply needs to pull the magnetsapart and remove the wearer's arms from the sleeves.

What has been described above includes various exemplary aspects. It is,of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination ofcomponents or methodologies for purposes of describing these aspects,but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many furthercombinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the aspectsdescribed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure.

1. A garment configured for easy dressing and undressing by thephysically disabled in the form of a wrap-around garment wherein whenworn there is considerable overlap between the left front portion and aside front portion of the garment; the front portion and side portionsare secured to each other by at least one magnetic fastener.
 2. Thegarment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the garment includes a portionthat wraps around a shoulder wherein a flap attached to the back of thegarment when worn by a wearer extends over the wearers shoulder and issecured to the front of the garment by at least one magnetic fastener.3. The garment as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magnetic fastenerincludes a pair of components one or more magnet being encased in aplastic matrix in each component of the pair, the opposing surfaces ofeach component of the pair of snaps being configured to “fit” with theother.
 4. The garment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first componentof a pair of snaps comprises a cylindrical portion housing plurality ofmagnets, said cylindrical portion having a plurality of holes in itsinner wall and the second component of the pair of snaps body comprisesa cylindrical portion housing plurality of magnets, said cylindricalportion having a plurality of holes in its outer, the cylindricalportion of the second component being configured to fit into a hollowportion in the cylindrical portion of the first component such that thefirst component and the second component interlock with each other. 5.The garment as claimed in claim 1, having one or more sleeves, saidsleeves having wide sleeve openings and dropped armholes to facilitateputting the garment on or taking it off.
 6. The garment as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the garment is provided with one or more slits in therear to make it easier for the user to get into or out of or sit in awheel chair.
 7. The garment as claimed in claim 1, made of cotton,jersey, a light weight breathable fabric.
 8. The garment as claimed inclaim 5, wherein the sleeve opening comprises a closing mechanismwhereby the sleeve opening may be adjusted after the garment has beenput on by the arm hole being closed by pulling on a ribbon attached to apulley mechanism within the sleeve.
 9. The garment as claimed in claim8, wherein said pulley mechanism comprises at least one strap runningwithin a channel sewn or otherwise fitted into the garment wherein saidstrap has magnets mounted on it and said channel has magnets mounted init so that the strap may be pulled to result in magnets on the strap andmagnets in the channel interacting with each other to result in a sleeveopening of the desired size.
 10. The garment as claimed in claim 9,comprising two straps bearing magnets wherein each strap is of adifferent color, said straps being arranged so that pulling one willreduce the size of the sleeve opening and pulling the other willincrease the size of the sleeve opening.
 11. A garment configured foreasy dressing and undressing by the physically disabled wherein thedimensions of a part of the garment may be adjusted by pulling on aribbon attached to a pulley mechanism within the part whose dimensionsare to be adjusted wherein said pulley mechanism comprises at least onestrap running within a channel sewn or otherwise fitted into the garmentwherein said strap has magnets mounted on it and said channel hasmagnets mounted in it so that the strap may be pulled to result inmagnets on the strap and magnets in the channel interacting with eachother to result in the desired adjustment of the dimension.
 12. Thegarment as claimed in claim 11, comprising two straps bearing magnetswherein each strap is of a different color, said straps being arrangedso that pulling one will reduce the dimension and pulling the other willincrease the dimension.
 13. The garment as claimed in claim 11, whereinthe dimension corresponds to a wearer's waist size.
 14. The garment asclaimed in claim 11, wherein said channels are fitted into a pleatedpart of the garment.
 15. The garment as claimed in claim 11, wherein thedimension corresponds to a desired skirt length.
 16. A pair of magneticsnaps wherein a first component of a pair of snaps comprises acylindrical portion housing plurality of magnets, said cylindricalportion having a plurality of holes in its inner wall and a secondcomponent of the pair of snaps body comprises a cylindrical portionhousing plurality of magnets, said cylindrical portion having aplurality of holes in its outer, the cylindrical portion of the secondcomponent being configured to fit into a hollow portion in thecylindrical portion of the first component such that the first componentand the second component interlock with each other.
 17. A garmentconfigured for easy use by the physically disabled which comprises agarment for the lower body having a plurality of horizontal pleats saidgarment being provided with a pulley mechanism comprising a drawstringoperably linked to said pleats and a handle attached to the upper end ofthe drawstring wherein the pulley system used in conjunction with thepleats is operable to adjust the length of the garment.
 18. The garmentas claimed in claim 17 wherein the garment has one or more pockets andthe handle attached to the upper end of the drawstring is located in apocket.
 19. The garment as claimed in claim 17 that is a pair oftrousers configured such that when the drawstring is pulled, the lowerend of each trouser leg is raised in a manner similar to the raising ofa Venetian blind.
 20. The garment as claimed in claim 17 wherein saidoperable linkage between the drawstring and the pleats is effected bythe drawstring having a weight at its lower end and running throughrings attached to one or more pleats.